Exploring The Ancient Egyptian Pyramids

Named as one of the great seven wonders of the world, the Great Pyramids of Giza in ancient Egypt are both intensely researched and riddled with mystery. Although not the only pyramid-style structures to appear in history, the Egyptian monuments remain the world's most widely known set of pyramids. The Pyramid of Djoser, thought to be the first pyramid ever built, was constructed just outside the nation's capital of Memphis nearly 4,700 years ago as a grandiose burial sanctuary for pharaohs and other prominent Egyptian figures. The Great Pyramid of Giza, the most famous pyramid, stood as the world's tallest structure for more than 3,800 years. Inside, archeologists have discovered thousands of years worth of ancient artifacts that help researchers give modern society a glimpse of this amazing civilization. Pharaohs, religious figures and more were often mummified, encased in beautifully crafted tombs and sent into the next life surrounded by lavish gifts and personal relics of importance to the deceased.

But how were these gigantic formations possibly created without the use of cranes? Why did construction on the pyramids stop? Finally, after decades and more of in-depth research, scientists say they now have some answers. Dive deep into the mystery surrounding one of Earth's biggest human achievements.

Take a tour of Pyramids of Giza -- part of the World's Greatest Attractions series by GeoBeats.
I am Naomi and I am very excited to show you the world's greatest attractions.
The oldest wonder of the ancient world, the stunning Giza Pyramids, continue to provoke wonder.
The wispy golden sands and the enchanting camels inspire the imagination to times gone by.
The Sphinx has watched many civilizations over history rise and crumble.
The Pyramids are estimated to consist of millions of limestone blocks.
For nearly 3,800 years, the Pyramids remained the tallest man made structure in the world.
From any perspective, the Pyramids will simply awe. Built as tombs for the ancient kings and queens, the Pyramids will always represent power and beauty.

Gaza, Egypt.
Images of the seven wonders of the world. The last shown - Egyptian pyramids.
Various shots of the pyramids and their surroundings intercut with diagrams of the pyramids showing where they are, how they were made, showing the size, the inside etc. One of the diagrams showing St. Paul's Cathedral fitted into pyramid.
Voiceover tells the story of the pyramids - they are massive, their sides face four sides of the world, they were colourful when they were first made etc.
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Some archeologists have noticed that the human head of the Great Sphinx of Giza is too small for it's lion body. One theory is that the sphinx was originally not a sphinx at all.
From: SECRETS: The Sphinx
http://bit.ly/1l9ZWWS

Santa Cecelia, Mexico
Various shots of work restoration going on at the newly discovered Pyramid at Santa Cecilia in Mexico. Various shots of female Archaeologist as she uncovers a stone face on side of Pyramid. MS. & CU. girl and government Archaeologist in charge of work check the stone head found by the girl. Various shots Pyramid of the sun in Mexico, Various shots of the temple of Quetzalcoatl in Mexico. (F.G.)
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The Great Sphinx is carefully placed within Giza, protecting the tombs of Khafre and Khufu. But when was the sphinx given a face? And whose face would serve to protect these important pharaohs?
From: SECRETS: The Sphinx
http://bit.ly/1Auajyx